As summer fades and cooler, wetter days arrive, autumn horse care becomes more important. Muddy fields, increased rainfall and changing temperatures can all affect your horse's skin, coat and hooves, meaning their summer routine may need a seasonal refresh.
The good news? A few simple changes can help keep your horse clean, comfortable and well cared for as you head towards winter.
1. Prepare for muddy conditions
One of the biggest changes autumn brings is mud. As rainfall increases and fields become wetter, your horse's legs can spend more time exposed to damp and muddy conditions.
Regularly checking and gently cleaning muddy legs can help keep the skin fresh while giving you the opportunity to spot any changes early.
When cleaning your horse, avoid harsh products that can strip the skin of its natural oils, particularly if you're washing regularly throughout autumn and winter. A gentle, nourishing approach is ideal for the colder months.
Muddy Horse Shampoo
Our Muddy Horse Shampoo is specially designed for muddy, dirty legs and is gentle enough for regular use throughout winter. Its low-lather, easy-rinse formula thoroughly cleanses without drying the skin.
Enriched with organic aloe vera and a blend of tea tree, yarrow, thyme, calendula and myrrh essential oils, it helps refresh and condition the skin while leaving the coat clean and soft.
It's also free from sulphates (SLS) and harsh detergents, making it a great addition to your autumn horse grooming routine.
2. Give your horse's skin some extra care
Cooler temperatures, persistent rain and wet fields can all mean increased exposure to damp conditions. Areas such as the legs and heels may benefit from some extra attention during muddy season.
After cleaning, make sure your horse's skin is thoroughly dried where possible before applying any skincare products.
Muddy Horse Cream
Muddy Horse Cream is a rich, nourishing cream formulated to moisturise and support skin exposed to persistent mud and damp conditions.
Made with cold-pressed vegetable oils, shea butter and cocoa butter, alongside a carefully selected blend of tea tree, yarrow, thyme, calendula and myrrh essential oils, it helps soften dry, cracked skin while supporting the skin's natural protective barrier.
It's ideal for use on legs, heels and other areas prone to winter skin problems, making it a useful addition to your horse's autumn and winter care routine.
3. Create a protective barrier
When your horse is regularly turned out in wet and muddy conditions, adding a protective step to their skincare routine can help shield the skin from the elements.
Muddy Horse Barrier Balm
Muddy Horse Barrier Balm is the perfect finishing step to your winter skincare routine. Its rich, long-lasting formula helps create a breathable barrier against wet, muddy conditions while helping to lock in moisture.
Made with beeswax, hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, organic aloe vera, vitamin E and a blend of tea tree, lavender, patchouli and thyme essential oils, it helps keep skin feeling soft, supple and protected without feeling greasy.
For a simple muddy horse skincare routine, cleanse with Muddy Horse Shampoo, nourish with Muddy Horse Cream, then finish with Muddy Horse Barrier Balm.
4. Don't forget autumn hoof care
Autumn's wet and muddy conditions can also mean more moisture around your horse's hooves. Regular horse hoof care is especially important during the wetter months, so make checking and picking out your horse's hooves part of your daily routine.
Regularly removing mud, stones and debris gives you the opportunity to check the condition of the hoof and spot anything that may need extra attention.
Essential Hoof Anti-Bac Spray
If your horse struggles with smelly, unhealthy feet, our Essential Hoof Anti-Bac Spray is here to help naturally and effectively.
Specially formulated to support hoof hygiene, this powerful yet gentle spray targets the bacteria and fungi commonly found in horses' hooves, helping to support healthier, fresher feet.
Made with 100% natural, water-based ingredients, it contains high levels of carefully selected botanical ingredients known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It's quick and easy to apply, making it simple to incorporate into your daily hoof care routine. It can help support healthier frogs, white lines and central sulcus areas and is suitable for both barefoot and shod horses.
With muddy fields and wetter conditions on the way, keeping your horse's feet clean, fresh and well cared for can help you stay one step ahead of the challenges that autumn can bring.
5. Keep grooming consistent
It can be tempting to reduce grooming when your horse comes in covered in mud, but regular grooming is still an important part of autumn horse care.
A gentle grooming routine helps remove dirt and loose hair, keeps the coat looking healthy and gives you the chance to check your horse's skin, legs and body for anything unusual.
As your horse's winter coat begins to develop, you may also find that grooming takes a little longer, especially after those particularly muddy days!
6. Refresh your stable essentials
Autumn is the perfect time to check that you have everything you need before winter really sets in.
Make sure your grooming kit is stocked up, your stable supplies are ready and your horse has access to clean, dry areas where they can get out of persistent rain.
It's much easier to prepare now than realise you're missing an essential when the weather takes a turn.
Your Autumn Horse Care Routine
As the seasons change, your horse's routine doesn't need to become complicated. A few thoughtful adjustments can make a big difference. With the right grooming, skincare and hoof care routine, you can help keep your horse feeling comfortable and cared for throughout muddy season and into winter.